1988 Map of Mystery Valley

About this map

The Navajo Indian Reservation spans the border of Arizona and Utah in this late 1980s topographical study. The landscape is defined by the high elevations of Mitchell Mesa and Wetherill Mesa, where the terrain drops into the complex drainage of Horse Canyon and Mitchell Butte Wash. This area is particularly noted for its geological formations, including the Full Moon Arch and several other Natural Arches that mark the sandstone faces of the mesas. Human presence is indicated primarily by deep-desert infrastructure, including the Monument No 1 Tunnel, various corrals, and remote water sources such as Goulding Well. The map captures the intricate landforms of Mystery Valley, illustrating how the dry washes and prominent landmarks like Gray Whiskers and Mitchell Butte dominate this part of the Four Corners region.